The Historic Landmarks Commission was in the process of considering a proposal to change the words on the "White Stag" sign from "Made in Oregon" to "University of Oregon".

The Staff Report and more information is here. The Historic Landmarks Commission never issued a decision on the initial proposal.

On 4/1/09, Commissioners Leonard and Fish, with Mayor Adams, presented an ordinance that gave the City the authority to condemn the sign. This would have allowed the City to purchase the sign using eminent domain, so that the City can choose the wording. Negotiations continued between Commissioner Leonard, the University of Oregon, and the owners of the building and sign, to try to reach an agreement without the use of condemnation.

On 4/8/09, Commissioner Leonard announced a compromise on the wording, and withdrew the ordinance authorizing condemnation. The sign will now say "Oregon", with the smaller letters underneath changed from just "Old Town" to "Old Town - Portland".

The lettering on the sign must still be authorized by the Historic Landmarks Commisson. Since this is a Type III land use decision, the matter may be appealed to the City Council. As always, I will keep an open mind on which way I will vote. I read input sent to me, and enter it into the record for the case, but I will not be meeting with proponents or opponents to discuss the matter before the potential hearing at Council.